As I am looking to build or buy a new home, I started planning a home computing system for the house from scratch. What I have in my head is some beefy server and cheap workstations (graphical diskless thin-clients) throughout the house. I have read some up on the Linux Terminal Server Project and envisioned an amazing system possibly involving intercom (VoIP), home chat, controlled web access (I have kids), Myth TV, word processing, presentation and central fax & print. The software seems to be there for the right price. The hardware is another story. I have not been able to put together this architecture cheaper than just buying and networking full fledged Windows systems for each room. Isn't there supposed to be a cost savings with this architecture? Am I after a 2001 dream that everyone else knows has already failed? I am tired of spyware and viruses and updating multiple systems with various patches. Is it going to cost more for less?

This is a tough one. I know what you mean about wanting one central point for updates, and your VoIP dream can be realized no matter which platform you pick.

The cost savings for the thin client scenario I think was meant to be realized in ease of deployment, management and service. In your case, it's neither difficult to deploy, nor manage, nor service your PCs, since you are where the machines are and you don't have another location to support remotely.